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About the history of Sequoyah Regional Library System About Your Library History of SRLS In September of 1922, the Canton Woman’s Club put forth the initial plans for a public library in Canton, and in 1923, the club gave a collection of books which established Canton’s first public library. The collection was housed in rent-free space behind Higgins Jewelry Store on Main Street and presided over by the late Miss Malinda Roberts who volunteered to keep it open two days a week. In 1957, the R.T. Jones Foundation bought the old McAfee home on Main Street to house the library, also providing the $25,000 needed to remodel the home for library use. At this time, the library became qualified for State aid which enabled the library to expand its collection. The State also loaned the library a bookmobile in 1957 until the library purchased its own in 1958. In 1932, Pickens County Library had its beginnings when a group of 4-H girls and Home Demonstration Clubs expressed a desire for something to read. Henrietta White Darnell, a Home Demonstration agent, borrowed fifty books at a time from the Georgia State Library Commission and checked them out to her club members. While the present Pickens County courthouse was under construction, the library was housed in the Pickens County High School (now Jasper Middle) until 1949, when the library was given a room in the basement of the newly constructed courthouse. Charter members of the Pickens County Library Board of Trustees were Ruth Adams, Marjorie Floyd Butchart, and Henrietta Darnell. In 1958, the Pickens County Library became affiliated with R.T. Jones Library, creating the Cherokee-Pickens Regional Library. Gilmer County Library was founded in the summer of 1940 as a room inside the Gilmer County Courthouse. Started as a federal W.P.A. project, the library also had local support from J & C Bedspread Company, the City of Ellijay, and the Ellijay Women’s Club. Charter members of the Gilmer County Library Board of Trustees were Mrs. E.T. Hudson, Chairman; Mrs. R.W. Smith, Co-Chairman; Mayor Willard Holden; L.N. Foster, School Superintendent; C.F. Owen, Editor; and Mrs. Joe McCutchen, J & C Bedspread Company representative. The Gilmer County Board of Education and the Library Board of Trustees began to share responsibility and expenses, and during the summer of 1956 the library moved into a building located behind the old Ellijay Elementary School gymnasium and which also housed the old cannery (across from the present location of the First United Methodist Church). This location continued to serve as both a public and elementary school library until the current library building was constructed in 1977, and the two collections were separated. In 1957, a committee was appointed to contact Pickens and Cherokee counties with the idea of joining their regional library, with their report returning favorable if finances could be achieved. At that time, Gilmer County library was funded by a combination of State and County matching funds based on the number of students, money from the State Library Commission, and miscellaneous local donations. In 1959, plans were formalized to join the regional system with the Cherokee and Pickens counties. Commissioner Harold Hefner and Superintendent Everett Weeks agreed to increase their offices’ contributions, making it possible for Gilmer County Library to join the regional library. On July 1, 1961 the Cherokee-Pickens-Gilmer Regional Library was renamed as the Sequoyah Regional Library System. In the late 1980s, the 8,000 square foot R.T. Jones Library at 400 East Main Street was no longer sufficient for the growing population. Chairman of the Board of Trustees W.W. Denney began the search for a site to house a larger facility, and on July 20, 1989 a transaction was completed that would provide three acres for a new 30,000 square foot building. Cherokee County purchased the building on Main Street, making the site on Highway 20 near I-575 available. Groundbreaking was held March 8, 1990, and on May 1, 1991 the building opened to the public. Dedication of the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, was held June 12, 1991 with Chairman Denney giving a warm welcome and Senator Bill Hasty introducing the speaker, Lt. Governor Pierre Howard. In 1964, the Woodstock Public Library was established and as the community’s population grew, additional library space was needed to keep pace with growth. In Cherokee County, three new libraries were added as a response to the exponential growth that was taking place in the 1980s and 1990s: Rose Creek Public Library in 1991, Hickory Flat Public Library in 1993, and Ball Ground Public Library in 1997. In 1996, the Sequoyah Regional Library System signed a contract with the Cherokee County Law Library Board to administer the Law Library located in the Justice Center. More than 100 years after the beginning of R.T. Jones Library in Canton, Sequoyah Regional Library System strives to continue offering new resources, programs, and spaces to keep pace with the community’s need for more services. Pickens County Library, D.B Carrol Street location, 1980-1994 Gilmer County Library, Dalton Street Location, 1977-2007

Calendar of Events at the Sequoyah Regional Library System SRLS Events

This summer, create with your dynamic destination for discovery – the Sequoyah Regional Library System! Summer Discovery 2025 This summer, create with your dynamic destination for discovery – the Sequoyah Regional Library System! Explore your local library in June and July to participate in awesome programs at no cost featuring Jeffini the Great, amazing juggling tricks, creation-fueled education programs for all ages (kids, teens, and adults), and much more! Check out our calendar to see all we have planned – you won’t want to miss a thing! HOW DOES IT WORK? Log your reading and complete fun activities to earn digital badges to win collectible trading cards and prizes all summer long with the free Beanstack app . Beanstack includes tools to help you and your family discover books, keep track of your reading, and set reading goals. Beanstack can be accessed by visiting our official SRLS webpage or downloading the app available for iOS and Android . Our Summer Discovery Challenge will begin June 1st and pre-registration opens on May 1st! JOIN THE SUMMER DISCOVERY READING CHALLENGE Register on Beanstack to join the Summer Discovery Challenge. Read art-themed titles and complete fun activities to earn Beanstack badges, trading cards, and tickets for end-of-summer prizes. Register for the Summer Discovery challenge on Beanstack to receive a “vintage” booster pack of Sequoyah Regional Library trading cards! JOIN THE SUMMER DISCOVERY CHALLENGE CHECK OUT OUR SUMMER PROGRAMS CHECK OUT THE SRLS LINKTREE SUMMER DISCOVERY INFO GUIDE SUMMER DISCOVERY COLLECTIBLE TRADING CARDS SEQUOYAH REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM IS GOING FINE-FREE THIS SUMMER It’s now easier than ever to experience everything your public library has to offer. Sequoyah Regional Library System is going fine-free to celebrate Summer Discovery 2025. From June 1st through July 31st, items returned to the library will not have overdue fines! Some fines may be excluded. Ask library staff for details. Thank you to all of our Summer Discovery partners. This program would not have been possible without your help!

The Sequoyah Regional Library System Success Measures Success Measures TITLE 1000+ TITLE 1000+ TITLE 1000+ TITLE 1000+ Events & Programs Cardholders Visitors Total Check Outs 2023-2024 Annual Report 2022-2023 Annual Report 2021-2022 Annual Report 2020-2021 Annual Report 2019-2020 Annual Report

Partnerships are a pathway for the Sequoyah Regional Library System to further support our Mission, Vision, and Values through a mutually beneficial relationship with longevity in mind. Current Partners What Does It Mean To Be A Library Partner? Partnerships are a pathway for the Sequoyah Regional Library System to further support our Mission, Vision, and Values through a mutually beneficial relationship with longevity in mind. SRLS Partnerships can look like creating avenues for collaborating on public services, programming, cross-promoting, sharing resources, etc. The terms are generated by involved parties to ensure that they are mutually beneficial with shared responsibilities, purposeful, and sustainable for years to come. Interested in becoming a library partner? Reach out to us via our Contact Us page.

Policies for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. About Your Library Policies Privacy and Disclosures View Policy Internet use View Policy Parent & Teachers View Policy Public Service View Policy Collection View Policy

Fines and General Replacement Fees Replacement Fees for Print Materials About Your Library Fines & Fees Replacement Fees for Print Materials Full replacement cost will be charged for any periodicals or cataloged materials that are overdue for 30 days or damaged to an extent that they have to be replaced. The borrower may keep any damaged materials for which full replacement cost has been paid. If a lost item is found and returned to the Library within 180 days from the due date, in a similar condition as when borrowed, the replacement charge will be voided and the maximum late charge reinstated. The Library does not accept materials the patron has purchased in lieu of payment. Late fees, most items $0.20 per day, per item. Late fees, GA State Parks and Historic Sites Pass $1.00 per day. Late fees, Go Fish Pass, and Passport to Puppetry $3.00 per day. Non-resident use fee $35.00 per year. Books hardcover, Adult, replacement $30.00 each. Books hardcover, Easy and Juvenile, replacement $25.00 each. “Trade” Paperbacks (these are higher quality, often over-sized paper bound titles), replacement $15.00 each. Paperbacks (relatively inexpensive “beach read” sized books), replacement $5.00 each. Magazines, replacement $5.00 each. Board Books, replacement $5.00 each. Maps $2.00 each. Audio Books, replacement $8.00 per disc or cassette, up to $45.00. DVDs, replacement $10.00 per title. Video / Audio case, replacement $3.00 per item . Kit, replacement charges vary according to contents of kit. Chromebook $5.00 per day with a maximum of $20. Technology Devices, including Chromebooks, that are not returned or damaged beyond repair will be charged the full replacement cost of $500. If components are damaged and able to be repaired or replaced, staff will assess the possibility of a charge up to but not to exceed $500. $20 replacement fee for laptop bag. Fines and General Replacement Fees GA State Parks and Historic Sites Pass $100.00 ($50.00 Georgia State Park Pass, $50.00 Georgia Historic Sites Pass) GA State Parks Backpack Replacement Fee: $75 Full replacement; $35 Backpack; $15 Binoculars; $8 Birds pamphlet Wildlife pamphlet; $8.00 Trees/Flowers pamphlet $8.00. GA Public Libraries Passport to Puppetry $32.00. Chattahoochee Nature center $45.00. William Breman Museum $50.00. Go Fish pass $20.00. Macon Museum $100.00. Michael C. Carlos Museum $50.00. History Cherokee Pass $40.00. Alliance Theatre Pass $75.00. Replacement Fees for lost or irreparably Damaged Passes Photocopies, Black and white $0.15 per printed side. Photocopies, Color $0.75 per printed side. 3D Printing $0.15 per gram; minimum charge of $3.00 per print. Proctoring $20.00 per test, cash or card. Service Fees For S ale at select locations SRLS Short Sleeve Shirt: $15.00 SRLS Long Sleeve Shirt: $20.00 SRLS Tote: $12.00 Earbuds: $2.00 Flash Drive: $6.00 Items For Sale

Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, in partnership with Enjoy Cherokee Magazine and WLJA 101.1 FM, has donated $1,000 to Sequoyah Regional Library System SRLS News $1,000 Donation from the Retired Educator Recognition Initiative May 17, 2024 The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, in partnership with Enjoy Cherokee Magazine and WLJA 101.1 FM, has donated $1,000 to Sequoyah Regional Library System in recognition of retiring educators from the Cherokee County School District. The donation will be used to purchase materials for the library locations in Cherokee county.

Now Available for checkout. Looking for a new hobby to explore in the new year? Check out one of our new Disc Golf Sets from our Library of Things! Latest SRLS News Now Available: Disc Golf Sets! January 13, 2025 Looking for a new hobby to explore in the new year? Check out one of our new Disc Golf Sets from our Library of Things! Available for check out at all SRLS locations, Disc Golf sets include: a putter disc, a midrange disc, a driver disc, and a bag for carrying them. Each disc golf set also includes a brochure with more information regarding how and where to play. The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items that complement the Sequoyah Regional Library System’s mission to connect people with ideas and opportunities to explore, learn and create. The purpose of the Library of Things is to provide diverse opportunities for learning and engagement. Visit our Library of Things page to learn more about our Disc Golf sets and other items available for check out!

Sequoyah Regional Library Branch RT Jones celebrates 100th Birthday. SRLS News R.T. Jones Memorial Library Celebrates 100th Birthday August 14, 2023 The Sequoyah Regional Library System welcomes all members of the public to attend the 100th Birthday Celebration of the R. T. Jones Memorial Library on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 7:00pm. The celebration will include food, live music, and commemorative remarks from community leaders. “As we have prepared for the celebration, it has been amazing to look back and learn about the evolving role of our library in Canton over the past 100 years,” says Angela Cortellino, Executive Director of SRLS. “The R.T Jones Memorial library has been an integral part of the community and an important necessity. It is exciting to celebrate the past 100 years and begin the next 100 years of service.” Leading up to the 100th Birthday Gala on Saturday, September 9, R. T. Jones Memorial Library will begin celebrating the occasion on Thursday, September 7, by welcoming community members to visit the library and make birthday cards through September 9. On Friday, September 8, join History Cherokee at R. T. Jones Memorial Library for an educational look into the history of Cherokee County. Finally, on Saturday, September 9, R. T. Jones Memorial Library invites young patrons to a Birthday Bash at 10:30am, with games, food, and music before the final celebration that evening at 7:00pm. “I’ve enjoyed learning more about how the library began in Cherokee County and watching the changes unfold through the years through pictures,” says Lisa Fowler, Branch Manager of R. T. Jones Memorial Library. “From its humble beginnings supported by private book donations to becoming an important part of the community, the R.T. Jones Memorial Library has grown with the county.”

Celebrate National Library Week with Sequoyah Regional Library System. Fine Forgiveness National Library Week 2025 Adventure awaits at Sequoyah Regional Library System! From Sunday, April 6 through Saturday, April 12, celebrate National Library Week with Sequoyah Regional Library System. This year, your local public library is celebrating all the different ways our community is drawn to the library. From our wonderful staff, incredible community, and amazing supporters, we are delighted to be your dynamic destination for discovery. Sequoyah Regional Library System is going fine free during National Library Week! From April 6 through April 12, call or come into any of our libraries to take advantage of our fine forgiveness program. See below for details. 1. How does it work? Call or come into any of our libraries during National Library Week (April 6-12, 2025). Notify the staff member that you wish to take advantage of fine forgiveness and they will waive up to $15 from your account. Some fees may be excluded from this offer. 2. Who is eligible? All cardholders are eligible to have up to $15 of their overdue fines forgiven. 3. Can I have fines forgiven for others? Yes, if you have that person’s materials in-hand, or if you are a responsible party on that person’s library account. 4. Can I call the library and ask to have my past fines cleared? Yes, you can call any of our branches, but make sure you have your card number handy when you call! 5. Which fines will be forgiven? New and existing overdue fines. 6. What items and fees are not eligible? Overdue materials that have not been returned Fees from Unique National Collections (This fee cannot be forgiven because it is assessed by another agency.) Lost items Damaged and unusable items Items from other library systems/ institutions 7. Can I replace lost materials? Unfortunately, we will not be able to forgive charges on your account for a lost or damaged item or accept a replacement in lieu of payment. If there are any overdue fees associated with an item you can have them waived during the fine forgiveness program. 8. What if I paid my fine last month? Can I get a refund? Unfortunately the library is unable to issue refunds for fines previously paid.

Computers, Printers, Wi-Fi , Copy and scanning: Your dynamic destination for discovery Computers & Printers Computers All Sequoyah Regional Library locations have computers for public use. All public computers have Internet access and a office suite of programs installed. Internet Access Access the internet inside the library or from the parking lot. Parking lot internet access is available 24 hours a day. Printing You can print your documents at the library using one of our public computers, or from your own device. Black-and-white prints cost $0.15 per printed side. Color prints cost $0.75 per printed side. Print From Anywhere Online Printing (Printing from Home or Your Own Device) SmartAlec allows you to upload documents from your own device for printing on any SRLS printer. From a web browser: visit https://smartalecplus.smartalecprint.com/?ID=SequoyahGA From a mobile device: download the SmartALEC App from Google Play or the Apple Store Log in using your library card number and PIN (If you do not have a library card, you can log in as a Guest User.) and upload your documents. Visit a Print Release station at any SRLS location and sign in using your library card number and PIN. Copy and Scanning Service Black-and-white prints cost $0.15 per printed side. Color prints cost $0.75 per printed side. Scanning is available at all locations. About SAM ( Smart Access Manager ) SRLS uses a computer management system called “SAM” (Smart Access Manager™) that allows all computer users access time at each location. Using your Library card number and PIN (Personal Identification Number), SAM keeps track of the amount of time each user is on the computer, and limits users to three (3) total hours of use per day systemwide. Activate Your Card For Computer Use and Printing Log in to a public computer at any SRLS branch using your Library card number and PIN. (This is the same PIN you use to log in to the SRLS catalog.) Forgot your PIN? Visit a Service Desk and a library staff can help you. Out-of-town visitors should see library staff for a 24-hour Visitor’s pass.